Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopic studies of marbles

We present laser-induced breakdown spectroscopic Studies of variety of marbles extracted from Quetta region of Baluchistan, Pakistan using a Nd.YAG laser (532 nm) in conjunction with LIBS 2000 detection system. The emission spectra of Onyx (white spot) and Quetta Green Marble samples have been recorded as a function of laser irradiance. The elemental composition and their relative abundance in each sample are fond to be quite different. In Onyx (white spot), calcium dominates while in the Quetta Green marble magnesium is the dominant element. In addition the effect of the laser irradiance on the emission intensity, width and shift of the transition lines have been studied. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.